Teaching English Abroad: Jobs Await In Asia

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by: TEFL
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Date: Fri, 7 May 2010 Time: 5:39 AM
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When it comes to interesting and rewarding TEFL jobs in enjoyable and stimulating teaching locations then consider the Orient. Look to teaching jobs in Asia - Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, Japan, China, even Brunei for a range of the most interesting, diverse and best paying TEFL/ESL jobs anywhere.

For most people teaching English in Asia, in addition to a salary that's normally commensurate or even in excess of a local professional's pay, you can also expect your return airfare paid as well as a housing allowance, overtime and sometimes even bonuses. All that added to the fact that local living expenses are usually a fraction of the cost of those in the West means that it's not only possible to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle teaching in Asia, but that you are usually in the enviable position of being able to save.

With huge numbers of upwardly mobile and intensely aspirational Asians now placing English learning right at the top of their priorities, the need for people to teach TEFL in Asia has never been greater. Keen to make their mark on the world and recognising the importance of English in international trade and commerce, the demand for English teachers, especially native English teachers, far outstrips the supply. Berlitz, The British Council, Cambridge Institute, English First, Linguaphone, Shines Education, Wall Street Institute and many other international English language training centres are constantly in need of good quality teachers. If you have a degree and are a native English speaker (note that some positions also insist that you also hold certified TEFL qualifications), then you should have few problems in landing an interview and hopefully a decent job at one of the institutes. It's worth bearing in mind too that the better qualified you are the stronger position you are in regarding salary negotiations.

For the best salaries in the region, head for Singapore or Korea. Singapore especially has recently become a top teaching destination with, TEFL/ESL pay rates usually far outstripping those of other countries in the region. It's not unusual for a teacher working with small adult classes to expect $2500 and upwards. Though with four million people squeezed into such a small island it's inevitable that accommodation costs in Singapore are relatively high. In contrast, other living expenses such as transport, entertainment and food are relatively cheap.
Whether you are new to the TEFL scene or already experienced and looking for pastures new then you could do far worse than giving serious consideration to Singapore. More than simply paying well, the whole environment is safe and relatively comfortable. Crime, pollution, begging, language communication difficulties (Singapore was a UK colony until 1963 and uses English as the official language) and other aspects of Asian countries that can make culture shock such an issue in some countries of the regions much less of an issue here. A multi-ethnic melting pot, Singapore is also a great base from which to explore other Asian countries and cultures.

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Chris Soames - Online TEFL courses with over 20,000 course graduates each year, international accreditation and certification recognised by schools worldwide.

To Teach English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world and immerse themselves in new cultures. Whether you're a trained teacher or a complete beginner, a TEFL qualification is your ticket for the journey of your life.

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